Lawrence Laughery’s recovery programme

A great encounter!

Trail runner and social worker Lawrence Laughery joined our team of ambassadors this year!

Recently injured, he tells us about his journey and his recovery programme.

Algorigin: Tell us your story – where are you from?

Lawrence: I’m of American origin, but I was born in Vevey and grew up in Villars-sur-Ollon in the canton of Vaud. My parents raised my brothers and me in an idyllic setting for outdoor activities. From a very young age, I’ve felt at home on technical mountain trails. As a teenager, I stepped back from sport and nature, only to come back to them a few years later when I realised something was missing. Four years ago, I gradually got back into running, and two years later I discovered trail running. Today, I’m part of the Swiss Compressport team.

A: In your view, what are the most important personality traits or physical abilities for a trail runner?

L: Trail running is an exciting, demanding and strategic discipline. It’s open to anyone who wants to have an adventure and push their limits. But there are some important things to know before you set off. You have to enjoy being on your own at times and be willing to battle with yourself. Bringing together your physical abilities and your mindset is a challenge that requires deep self-knowledge. Good training and muscle strength will take you far, but a mind of steel will take you even further. Knowing your strengths, your weaknesses and your nutritional needs gives you the best strategy for a successful race. It goes without saying that a love of the mountains and nature, and respect for the volunteers and your fellow competitors, are part of the trail-running spirit.

Read also: Interview with Célia Karleskind

A: You recently had an accident. Would you like to tell us about it?

L: During a long training run, I tripped on a descent and caught myself with my right leg fully extended. I waited a good half-hour for the first responders. I fractured my fibula and my tibial plateau, but my cruciate ligaments were spared. They operated on me quickly and inserted a plate and screws to straighten the tibia and restore it to the right height. I’ve had to end my 2019 season and wait until September before I can hit the trails again.

A: Can you tell us about your recovery? What are you doing to get back in shape as quickly as possible?

L: One of the first things I thought about for the best possible recovery was my nutrition. I know how powerful food can be, and together with my nutritionist we drew up a recovery plan with the foods to focus on. I use Algorigin’s micronutrition to complement this programme. I’m doing a course of Organic AFA Klamath, known for repairing the body by releasing stem cells. I’m still taking Organic Spirulina, plus a course of Spirulina Elixir for an energy boost. I’m resting a lot, accepting the injury, processing it and moving forward as best I can. An injury is an adventure running parallel to a race: I’m looking forward to crossing the finish line, but what I’ll remember is the journey since I left the start line. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, with ups and downs, joy and frustration, but I keep moving forward and my spirits are good.

Read also: Interview with Angélina from Activhandi

A: Have you felt the effects of the algae?

L: I’ve been supplementing my diet with Algorigin algae for over a year now. At first, though, I took them haphazardly and not very regularly. Since meeting Pauline Nouvellet, Algorigin’s micronutritionist, I’ve had a detailed plan setting out which algae to take before, during and after exercise. I now feel more energetic and more alert, and my recovery time is shorter. It’s important to remember that food supplements are no substitute for a good basic diet.

A: How did you hear about Algorigin?

L: I found out about Algorigin through Diego Pazos, a Swiss ultra trail runner. I already knew about the virtues of spirulina, but the one I was taking before wasn’t such good quality. Above all, I was looking for a Swiss, environmentally friendly brand, and I found exactly what I wanted with Algorigin. The team is great and we share the same values!

A: What message would you like to pass on to athletes who don’t know Algorigin yet?

L: When I talk to other athletes about algae supplements, I often hear: “I’d rather eat well and have a proper diet so I don’t need to take food supplements”. I understand that way of thinking and I fully agree with it. But we’ve reached a point where that’s no longer enough. Our farmland produces food that is less nutrient-rich (in iron, magnesium, amino acids, vitamin D, omega-3, etc.). Production methods also play a decisive role in the quality of products. Natural food supplements are an answer to this problem. It goes beyond athletic performance: it’s about giving your body what it needs. It’s natural, it’s not doping and it’s not addictive.